TULSA - It's National Fire Prevention Week and local fire firefighters are working to make sure families have an escape plan.
One local woman lost her brother in a fire and is now trying to prevent future tragedies.
The unthinkable happened to Pam Stukenborg and her family in 1973.
Her father was stoking the fire, using canned fuel to help the damp wood, when the flames kicked back and the can exploded.
Stukenborg’s home quickly went up in flames.
Her parents were only able to get her and three of her siblings out of the house.
“So, we ran to the neighbors and we pretty much saw our home burn down," said Stukenborg. "Well there was only four of us kids at our neighbors house. My brother Chris didn’t make it out.”
She said what happened could happen to anyone which is why she hopes all families have a plan of action.
“Talk to your kids about it. 'Hey, this is serious and while we hope and pray nothing happens but here’s the plan.' Have a place where they know they need to go there because often times people will go back inside looking for a loved one when they’ve escaped but they don’t know it," said Stukenborg.
Fire officials also ask families to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
It’s also a good idea to make sure small children know what it sounds like and how to react when or if it ever goes off.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
